Apparatus for cleansing soft or hard goods

ABSTRACT

A container for cleaning and polishing, having a hermetically sealed loading opening and telescopically arranged fluid inlets. Fluid motion is created in the container by a pump and temperature variations.

[ 1 May8,1973

United States Patel Raitport 1,051,013 1/1913 Russell 1,986,019 l/1935 Shaffner... 2,329,623 9/1943 [54] APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING SOFT OR HARD GOODS 3/1952 Guzzetti et a1. 1/1967 Ummel........ 12/1917 1,250,518 Schlesinger...... 1,934,208 2,275,818

[22] Filed:

11/1933 Pfeiffer et al........ 3/1942 Higginson et al.... 9/1953 [21] Appl. No.: 873,775

2,651,192 Lowe.................................:....68/184 FOREIGN PATENTS OR AEPLICATIONS 929,750 7/1947 France......,..........1...r...r......68/181R n. e h a g .m v a h ow .m .m m r T 0 P. C .L A d m R n a T a H S g H .m W A n a m H C .m r m .m m a E .m m m m H C r P DA 0 %4 mwwm 4 41 3 0w D h 4 9M 1 .9w 01 6 0 2 I mmoo mm mmR nh "0 9 wmfls WSM6 2 l W C 2 m 2 AF ll 18 55 metically sealed loading opening and telescopically ar- References Cited ranged fluid inlets. Fluid motion is created in the con- UNITED STATES TS tainer by a pump and temperature variations.

977,644 Le Roy...................................68/191 13 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PAIENIEBM 3,731,908

FIG.2

INVENTOR. ELI RAITPORT BYR ATTORNEY.

APPARATUS FOR CLEANSING SOFT OR HARD GOODS The purpose of this invention is for providing a new method of cleaning by which concealed surfaces would be washed as well as the exposed ones. Further the purpose of this invention is to provide a one piece, inexpensive, quick connectdisconnect coupling for fluids. Further the purpose of this invention to provide a method and apparatus for polishing hard to reach surfaces. Further the purpose of this invention is to provide a very low cost of apparatus for washing hard or soft goods. Further the purpose of this invention is to provide a low cost system for hydro-clave closures.

In the present washing apparatus the commonly used methods are: (l) jet spray; liquid under pressure is driven at an object. The force of impact breaks the bond of the particles of dirt with the object; (2) ultrasonic cavitation; ultrasonic waves are generated by a transducer and transmitted to the liquid.

In the first method only the area exposed to the jet gets washed. In the second method the apparatus is expensive.

This innovation derives its energy from pressure.

C= IE/P where E (dp')/(dv/v) (Bulk Modules of elasticity); P Specific density of liquid in question. In addition, more motion is developed, hence dynamic energy by disturbing thermo-equilibrium of the liquid in container. It is done by combination of wall materials of different rates of heat exchange capacities and induction of heat into the liquid in one relatively small area of the container; or by introducing two flows of different temperatures into container and out.

Attached drawings with partial cut away sections to show construction of various components and to demonstrate their function more clearly:

FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, and and following description illustrates a typical application of above method for washmg.

FIG. 1 depicts the side elevation.

FIG. 2 depicts top view with a partial cut away section of the left end corner top view.

FIG. 3 is an upright section of the right end front corner.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the coupling.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a cut away section of the closure mechanism.

This invention consists of an inner container (see drawing FIG. 1 and 3) with corrugated wall for rigidity and a channel 201 formed into a U" shape around the container. The object to be cleaned is placed into the container 20 through its wide opening in top 202. The U" is open toward the front where the operator slides the lid into this channel. There are means to fasten the lid to the container by locking assembly 60 consisting of channel 61 which is pressed against opening of container 20 through which the lid 40 is slipped into. The screw 63 held in bracket 62 presses the channel 61 to close the opening of container 20. Hydraulic system 50 consist ofa valve manifold 51, two tubes 52 and 53 one of which is a container for detergent intended to be dissolved into passing through water; sliding tube 11 is connected to a hot water (or other washing liquid) source. Sliding tube 11 has a port 11a in the bottom, which, being manually displaced by sliding action of the tube 11 operated by lever 13 may direct the flow of hot water into either of the vertical tubes 52 and 53, namely through detergent 52a or tube 53 for a rinsing cycle. Tube 11 is placed and fastened so as to form an integral part with tube 12, which possesses means connecting it to valve lever 13. 23 is a clean-out port, and 21 is its valve.

22 is the port which causes motion of the liquid due to the pressure disturbance. Port 22 is the means of connection between the relatively high pressure in the inner container 20 and considerably lower pressure of the ambient or another container which causes the pressure disturbance. Heat exchanger in form of a window covered with aluminum foil is located in the lid 40 (see FIG. 2). Therefore, the liquid immediately beneath the exchanger is denser and tends to descend to the bottom of the container. The liquid from the immediate vicinity, being in contact with the insulated part of the lid and consequently less dense, takes the place of the precedent, and the cycle repeats.

Simultaneously, liquid from beneath the exchanger descending to the second, third and so on layers, pushes aside the hotter liquid, which is less dense and therefore possesses less inertia resistance.

Consequently, multi-directional convection is provoked, which is accelerated by virtue of hot stream continuously entering into container 20 from source via tubes 1 1, 53 or 52 and port 110. In this spot, namely immediate vicinity of latter port, while operation, the pressure is always greater than in opposite spot above port 22 (see drawing, FIG. 2 and FIG. 1) so the liquid tends to move across the tank 20. Nevertheless, thermo-unequilibrium disperses the liquid and accelerates it to the top, as was described before. In conclusion, each particle of liquid is subjected to forces from different directions which impose friction on the objects placed in the container 20, to shear off the dirt.

Particles of water being charged with kinetic energy bombard" the particles of dirt with a force" break away relatively loose particles. Because the fluid particles are subject to convection and cavitation in any place of the container, therefore, every hidden spot is being washed. Because the aforementioned shear action and bombarding action, essential for washing, in this invention are generated by behavior of physics rather than by mechanical means, as in conventional devices, therefore, this innovation offers an economical advantage. However, mechanical devices maybe introduced in order to create additional energy.

is a belt around container 20 to provide resistance to hoop stresses.

The aforesaid bombardment" action of the particle could be utilized to shear-off loose" crystals from rough surface of metal to polish it. Of course this kind of polishing will be performed at every spot however hard to reach manually. For polishing, liquid polishing compound would be used rather than water. A pump and return tube will be added (not shown on drawings) to this basic device. This invention creates the need for a design of a new type of closure which is applicable to autoclaves.

The present method used to close autoclaves requires the lid to have a considerable amount of flexural strength and it has to be fastened to the container of the autoclave at several points, so that the deflection of the lid does not open the seal between the lid and container. This, of course, requires a considerable amount of work (E/T) which is costly for manually operated hydroclaves as well for automatically operated hydroclaves. Moreover, their use is sometimes limited due to the bulk, and lack of force available to close such hydroclaves.

This invention permits to fasten the lid of the hydroclave to its container at one point only, and requires only a relatively very light structure for the lid.

This innovation consists of the following. A main closing member 40 and a secondary closing member 61 which is constructed so that it can absorb energy (see drawing). It is apparent that the lid 40 will seal the wide opening 202 by virtue of inner pressure causing the gasket 16 to be compressed against U channel 201. 61 closes the front opening of the container through which lid 40 is slid in.

The inner face of 61 is lined with a rubber cushion 14a (or other elastic member). 61 is pressed against periphery of front opening the channel 201 by thumb screw 63 held on the hinged bracket 62. As the pressure in container 20 raises, then pressure is exerted on lid 40 compressing the gasket 16 between 40 and 201 and so sealing the periphery of the top opening 202.

Force is also exerted on the lid entrance opening 203 and 204, therefore compressing gasket 14 between 61 and the container 20 and so sealing this area.

At this point 61 would be subjected to considerable bending forces which would break the seal at the front of 203 and 204 with 61. However, in this invention said forces elastically compress cushion 14a and create a reaction force which balances the force of said pressure. Consequently, channel 61 maybe of a light structure. Gasket 14 might have alip in which 203 and 204 would be sandwiched, or a reverse lip maybe molded extending from 203 and 204, like the 81 on the coupling and actuate same way as 81 (further explained).

FIG. 4 represents a coupling which seals itself and the strength of the seal is a function of the pressure the coupling is subjected too. It is a one piece molded device from a suitable material. It can adequately seal fluid connectors of other shapes than round as well. Each of the couplings ends 19 are slipped on conductors. Then the flow is released. The pressure drop in 28 causes a pressure rise in 81 and squeezes the lip around the connectors end (not shown) and so sealing them.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above description. Many variations of mechanisms could be produced utilizing same basic invention. Above description is only an example of the almost unlimited applications for this invention.

i request a Letter of Patent to cover the Following:

lclaim:

1. An apparatus intended to contain fluid while in operation comprising a container of a generally half cylindrical shape, with an opening parallel to the horizontal axis of said container for loading work, a lid including means to hermetically seal said opening, means for admitting and discharging fluid from said container, corrugated means on an end wall to resist bending forces, and a bottomless outer structure wrapped around said container to provide resistance to hoop stresses.

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, whereas said container integrally built with a generally rectangular frame of a U" section, with the open end turned inwardly; at least one end of said frame is open allowing said lid to fit slidably between two flanges of said U" section.

3. in an apparatus comprising a container constructed to contain fluid while in operation, a closure comprising a lid with an integral flange in the periphery of said lid, a gasket fit over said flange, a frame of an U" section integrally constructed with said container with at least one end of said frame open to receive said lid, and a plug to shut said open end of said frame; said U sections of said frame are inwardly turned to receive slidably said lid between flanges of said U" sections, said lid when thrust against upper flange of said U" sections compresses said gasket and effects a seal.

4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, further comprising a cushion of elastic material located on the inner face of said plug in such a manner that said cushion absorbs energy.

5. An apparatus principally constructed for washing, cleaning, polishing, and deburring comprising a container containing fluid under pressure while in operation, with an opening for loading work and a lid including means to hermetically seal said opening, a pump supplying pressurized fluid to said container while in operation, at least one inlet port constantly admitting said fluid while in operation, and at least one outlet port discharging said fluid while in operation whereas said inlet port is located in top portion of said container, and said smaller port is located in the bottom of said container, and whereas said larger inlet port is connected to the pressure side of said pump and said smaller outlet port is open to a lower level of pressure.

6. An apparatus principally constructed to contain fluid while in operation comprising a container, at least one port through which said fluid flows and at least two telescopically arranged fluid conductors, at least one of which is operable from the exterior of said apparatus and has at least one port slidable connected to at least one tube inwardly placed within said container.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 comprising mechanical means for moving said fluid within said container.

8. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 comprising in the skin of said container at least two materials with different rates of heat exchange capabilities.

9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, whereas said admitting and discharging means comprising at least two ports of different sizes with the larger of said ports being the inlet and the smaller of said ports being the outlet port.

10. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising at least two ports for constant admission and discharge of said fluid.

11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising means to effect motion of fluid by creating different temperatures in various parts of said container.

12. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising means to effect motion of fluids by creating different temperatures in various parts of said container.

13. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 further comprising means to effect motion of fluids by creating different temperatures in various parts of said container.

1i i i t I 

1. An apparatus intended to contain fluid while in operation comprising a container of a generally half cylindrical shape, with an opening parallel to the horizontal axis of said container for loading work, a lid including means to hermetically seal said opening, means for admitting and discharging fluid from said container, corrugated means on an end wall to resist bending forces, and a bottomless outer structure wrapped around said container to provide resistance to hoop stresses.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, whereas said container integrally built with a generally rectangular frame of a ''''U'''' section, with the open end turned inwardly; at least one end of said frame is open allowing said lid to fit slidably between two flanges of said ''''U'''' section.
 3. In an apparatus comprising a container constructed to contain fluid while in operation, a closure comprising a lid with an integral flange in the periphery of said lid, a gasket fit over said flange, a frame of an ''''U'''' section integrally constructed with said container with at least one end of said frame open to receive said lid, and a plug to shut said open end of said frame; said ''''U'''' sections of said frame are inwardly turned to receive slidably said lid between flanges of said ''''U'''' sections, said lid when thrust against upper flange of said ''''U'''' sections compresses said gasket and effects a seal.
 4. An apparatus as defined in claim 3, further comprising a cushion of elastic material located on the inner face of said plug in such a manner that said cushion absorbs energy.
 5. An apparatus principally constructed for washing, cleaning, polishing, and deburring comprising a container containing fluid under pressure while in operation, with an opening for loading work and a lid including means to hermetically seal said opening, a pump supplying pressurized fluid to said container while in operation, at least one inlet port constantly admitting said fluid while in operation, and at least one outlet port discharging said fluid while in operation whereas said inlet port is located in top portion of said container, and said smaller port is located in the bottom of said container, and whereas said larger inlet port is connected to the pressure side of said pump and said smaller outlet port is open to a lower level of pressure.
 6. An apparatus principally constructed to contain fluid while in operation comprising a container, at least one port through which said fluid flows and at least two telescopically arranged fluid conductors, at least one of which is operable from the exterior of said apparatus and has at least one port slidable connected to at least one tube inwardly placed within said container.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 comprising mechanical means for moving said fluid within said container.
 8. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 comprising in the skin of said container at least two materials with different rates of heat exchange capabilities.
 9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1, whereas said admitting and discharging means comprising at least two ports of different sizes with the larger of said ports being the inlet and the smaller of said ports being the outlet port.
 10. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising at least two ports for constant admission and discharge of said fluid.
 11. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 further comprising means to effect motion of fluid by creating different temperatures in various parts of said container.
 12. An apparatus as defined in claim 3 further comprising means to effect motion of fluids by creating different temperatures in various parts of said container.
 13. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 further comprising means to effect motion of fluids by creating different temperatures in various parts of said container. 